Kathleen: The Celtic Knot

Girls of Many Lands

by Siobhán Parkinson, Troy Howell (Illustrator)

Twelve-year-old Dubliner Kathleen Delaney is given the chance to take Irish dancing lessons in 1937 and discovers she has a talent for it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Ireland, Historical, Young Adult

166 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2003

About the author

Siobhán Parkinson is an Irish writer for both children and adults. Siobhán grew up in Galway and Donegal. Her books have won numerous awards and have been translated into several languages. She is currently a co-editor of Bookbird, the magazine of international children's literature organsation IBBY. She resides in The Republic of Ireland with her husband Roger Bennett and son Matthew.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in late elementary and middle school I would read this book every St. Patrick's Day. Kathleen's love for Irish dancing made me want to try it out so bad. I didn't start as a child, since my parents weren't into the idea of competitive dancing. However, I started Irish dancing when I began college, and I never looked back. 12-year-old me would be very proud :)

This is an excellent book — one that really brings to life the struggle of national identity and the formation of nationhood in pre-WWII Ireland. While Kathleen's journey of becoming a dancer is sweet and inspirational, the larger themes of poverty, community, religion, and statehood resonated strongly with me as an adult.

I appreciate this book. It doesn't sugarcoat history, and it teaches young readers about the past in a way that trusts their intelligence to understand greater themes and grow in historical empathy.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Celtic Revival movement in addition to the Great Depression makes an interesting backdrop for the story. However, there was a place where it could have naturally ended but instead it went on, creating a disruption in the narrative flow. A lot of Irish slang (Gaelic and English) that doesn’t make sense unless you look at the glossary, unless you’re used to the context.

[Lisa Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of the Irish dancing and the other aspects of daily life in Ireland. Kathleen handled the issues of peer pressure, her school issues, and even her parents in ways that teach subtle lessons to the reader. The Gaelic and the details of the culture were delightful.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way back when I still got American Girl doll catalogs, I was really excited to see that they were putting out a new line of dolls and books called Girls of Many Lands. I immediately wanted to read this book because it was set in Ireland, and the girl in it is an Irish dancer, no less! I think this is the only novel I've ever read that's about Irish dancing, which I really appreciate, because I'm an Irish dancer!

The story is about twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy, who lives with her parents and four younger siblings in a small apartment building alongside many other tenants (I believe it's in the 1930s). The family is very poor, and her da lost his job because of illness, so her mother is trying to find him a new one. Meanwhile, Kathleen gets in trouble at her Catholic school for being late more than once, and her mother gets called in for a parent meeting. The head nun speaks to them and, far from being angry with Kathleen, says that she has noticed Kathleen has some musical talent and suggests that she takes something such as piano lessons or Irish dancing lessons! Skeptical at first, Mrs. Murphy grudgingly takes the advice and sends her to the first dance lesson. Kathleen loves it! But it costs too much for their family to afford, so she leaves in humiliation. But the teacher decides that she can have a reduced fee because she sees the potential in her.
It's a very sweet story about family, finding confidence in yourself, and pursuing your talents. I highly recommend it. Even if you know nothing about Irish dance, it doesn't matter.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of eight in a series of Girls of Many Lands put out by American Girl and ranging from the year 1592 to 1939. Kathleen's story takes place in Ireland in 1937 and tells of the trials and tribulations experienced by a family living in the poverty and political upheaval of that time. The love and support of family comes through in a story of sacrifice and hardship. The author includes a dictionary at the back to explain the meaning of Gaelic words used in the text. One of the enchanting things about this book is the Irish 'voice' that comes through loud and clear.

I purchased these books to use in my 5th grade class when I was teaching. In addition to this one I have read the books set in England and France and find them a great introduction to historical fiction for young girls.

[Autumn Maisy Raquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really want to read this one actually that's my mom's name but her name is Katherine ✨

[vy (laufey’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

rest in peace kathleen murphy you would’ve loved google

[Kelly (kellyreadingbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

🇮🇪Kathleen: The Celtic Knot (Girls of Many Lands series) by Siobhan Parkinson, 166 pgs, 3/5⭐️

🔡ALPHABET CHALLENGE: LETTER 'K'

🇮🇪Twelve-year-old Dubliner Kathleen Delaney is given the chance to take Irish dancing lessons in 1937 and discovers she has a talent for it. (middle grade, published 2003, American Girl)

🇮🇪I used to love getting this series from the library when I was a kid! I don't specifically remember reading this one though, so it was fun to visit the series in a new way. I remember all of these being digestible history for the target audience of 10-13 year old girls, definitely true! I'll continue to revisit this series as I bought them on eBay to give myself a little nostalgic treat 😊

[Alice Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen is a poor, but spirited Irish girl. The nuns at the convent-school bash the poor kids when they get a chance.

Kathleen is selected to take a semester of free dance classes by a Professional Irish woman who teaches folk dancing and wants winners.Kathleen is a folk dancing winner. She takes to folk dancing, putting her hear and soul into it. She is to be in a big contest, but doesn't tell her mom, because they have no money for a costume. But her mom and Aunt Polly shock her and made her a costume that is for the belle of the Ball.

This is an interesting story about Ireland and try and you will succeed.

[Jenni Enzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed Siobhan's other work. This is a historical set in Dublin in the 1930s. I loved the warmth of this family and how they all supported each other in their own ways. No one was a cardboard character, and although it was a slice-of-life more than a typical plot, it was a wonderful way to get a feel for life in Dublin during the Great Depression.

This would be perfect for learning about Ireland during that time or a geography-centered study or read aloud.

If you'd like to read more, a more in-depth review is on my blog: https://bit.ly/4sm8jqI

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having wanted off and on to read this ever since it was new and having finally found it, I can say that my life might have been different if it had been in my mind for the last 15-20 years. A fun read; it would have been informative in interesting ways as a teen, but I probably have much more of a context for appreciating it now, rather than having used it as a context for the things that provided my context for it instead.

[LobsterQuadrille · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story with a well-realized setting. It did lag somewhat towards the end, and the aunt's reveal seemed a little slapped-in with not enough buildup. It also felt a little disingenuous to have the message about being realistic and not living in a fantasy, right after Kathleen wins her very first dance competition despite being the newest student and missing her last two lessons. Maybe not a re-readable book for me, but I appreciate the historical and cultural detail.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not care for this one. The story jumps around too much and seems too short because descriptions are lacking as well as character development. For the story though, the book is almost too long. It's almost like nothing happens in this novel. I did not enjoy it and only read it for completion's sake.

[Abigail Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are great for learning a little bit of history alongside a good story. They are very similar to the American Girl books, only a bit longer, more upper middle school level. Kathleen was especially interesting to me as I took Irish Dance for a while, which is what Kathleen ultimately pursues as her sport.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Irish culture and Irish dancing, so this was a fun read. It’s not fluffy though; Kathleen has to deal with some difficult things as a girl in a poor family in 1930s Ireland. It felt like a juvenile version of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and covered similar themes.

[Chrysti Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I enjoy historical fiction and Ireland so this was a win. I appreciate the attention to detail throughout and the glossary and guide in the back. The history of this time period was very interesting and seeing it through a family's eyes was impactful.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book very interesting

[Aida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember enjoying it a lot as a 6th grader. Still remembered it enough after all this time to find the title again.

[Chris Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated—G (my personal opinion based on content)

[Jo Skeffington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this easy read book. The story was okay but my favorite part was at the back of the book the “Then and Now a girl’s life in Ireland”.
Yes, someday I hope to go there myself. Thanks.

[irene del mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite the rushed ending that I think would be even more frustrating if I was younger, but as an adult I can understand why it happened.

[Katie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one struck a chord with my impoverished dancer heart.

[Abigail G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten this story and it was interesting to reread and think about how life was 100 years ago in Ireland.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book for young people and had a good story to it was nice learning a little bit about Ireland back in the 1930's..so if u like history and good stories then u will like it..

[Leia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Average. Not the best but certainly not the worst book I read

[Terra Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book. I read this when it first came out and found it recently and wanted to do a re read.

It was interesting and I wish it had become a series.

[Deborah Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good historical fiction. Simple story but I think middle school girls would find it compelling. Quick read.

[Kelsey Huse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book for young girls

[Kit Sinatra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5